“We're extremely appreciative to Michael Jordan, Rich Cho, Steve Clifford and the Hornets for wanting Gordon and making Gordon feel like such a critical piece to the team they're building,” Bartelstein said. “That's something that's really appreciated by Gordon and myself, not just the contract but the whole presentation that they made.

”But it's always a wonderful thing when your own organization values you so much that they'd match a contract like this. I think it makes a great statement to Gordon about how they feel about him and value him.“

The Jazz had said that they planned to match any offers for Hayward.

Contract talks between the Jazz and Hayward on an extension broke down last year after Hayward sought at least $13 million per year for four years and the Jazz were unwilling to go beyond $12 million annually.

Hayward's new offer is worth an average of $15.75 million per season. The 24-year-old is coming off career highs with 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season.